Located on Kaua‘i’s eastern coast, the charming town of Kapa‘a retains its small-town appeal with its blend of diverse boutiques, restaurants, and locally owned businesses. Initially inhabited by ancient Hawaiians who utilized the coast for fishing and the land for agriculture, the demographics of Kapa‘a town were significantly impacted by the nineteenth-century sugar and pineapple plantations. Today, the area is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, hardworking business owners, and strong community spirit. So, take your time and soak in the appeal of this historic beachside community.

Start your day early with a stroll along Ke Ala Hele Makālae, the island’s eight-mile-long coastal path. Geared towards walking, jogging, and biking, this paved path partially follows a former railway used to haul sugarcane. To get to the start of the path, drive north along Kūhiō Highway until you reach the town of Keālia. On the right-hand side of the road, you will see a small parking lot with sheltered pavilions. Once your car is secured, proceed south to the cement walkway. The path will lead you past Keālia Beach on your left, known for its sand-bar bottom that provides a good surf break. After walking about one mile, you will be at Kaiakea Point, a popular spot for whale watching during the winter months. Some turn around at this point to walk back to their cars and drive into Kapa‘a town, while others will continue on foot.

After working up an appetite, head to Mariachi’s, home of Kaua‘i’s best authentic Mexican cuisine. Hector Portillo opened his first location in San Diego in 1992, filling the menu with beloved family recipes. In 2006, he brought his restaurant to Lihu‘e and later opened a location in Kapa'a. One of their most popular breakfast dishes is their chilaquiles con huevo, which starts with a sauté of crispy fried tortilla chips smothered in green tomatillo or red tomato sauce, topped with queso fresco, sour cream, and an egg. Their breakfast menu is also loaded with a selection of omelets, egg plates, and traditional breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and the island favorite, loco moco. Pair your breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or Mexican hot chocolate, such as horchata or a bloody mary.

Hop across the street to take in the unique boutique shopping for which Kapa‘a is known. One of the coolest shops is Shipwrecked Kauai, a woman-owned business specializing in clothes and accessories to complement modern Island lifestyles. Opened in 2015 by Xochitl Garcia, a mother of three and co-owner of a coffee shop with her husband, Shipwrecked Kaua‘i has become a space where she cultivates a chic collection of wardrobe essentials. From lightweight, minimalistic tanks paired with relaxed-fit denim jeans and cashmere sweaters, the quality pieces mix and match well, making them perfect for travel or capsule wardrobes. Bikinis and one-piece swimsuits that emphasize style and comfort, as well as everyday clothing for men, and clothing and swimwear for keiki (children), help customers round out their purchases for family members or gifts. Shipwrecked is also a wonderful place to stock up on beauty essentials, including Dune mineral sunscreens that defend against UVA/UVB while still being reef-friendly.

When ready for a quick caffeine jolt, head next door to Java Kai, a beloved coffee house “fueling insane island adventures” since the 90s. Owned by Xochilt of Shipwrecked Kaua‘i, and her husband, Sean, the two continually pushed for better brews and beans, serving the best coffee possible with coffee beans freshly roasted four to five days per week. Whether you are ordering a hot cup of 100% Kaua‘i drip coffee or an iced mac nut latte, you can be assured that you are getting some of the most flavorful drip coffees and espresso drinks on the island. While there, you can grab a bite of their all-day breakfast offerings, such as the Croi-Sean-Wich, which features two fried eggs, provolone cheese, and bacon and tomato nestled in a croissant. Alternatively, you can choose from their pastry case, including gluten-free muffins, vegan brownies, or colorful pop tarts. Before leaving, check out their “rad” merchandise or purchase a bag of beans to brew coffee at home.

If you are looking for a refreshing way to drink your nutrients and taste the rainbow of fruits and vegetables grown on the island, head around the corner, behind Mermaid’s Café, to find Kauai Juice Co. Designed to offer easily accessible, positive choices for the community, Kauai Juice Co.’s menu aims to bridge the gap between local farmers and consumers. When possible, their ingredients are locally sourced. When it becomes impossible to find an ingredient on the island, the team behind Kauai Juice Co. ensures that they know where specific ingredients are sourced and that they are 100% certified organic. Their extensive menu features a delightful selection of cold-pressed juices, hand-pressed nut milks, and elixirs, including the Immune Booster, which combines turmeric, sea buckthorn, lemon, and black pepper. They also offer bottled kombucha and bone broth, served fresh and frozen. If you are interested in purchasing a set of juices to cleanse your body, they also offer multi-day packages, such as their Kickstarter Cleanse, which includes directions on how to conduct a juice cleanse properly. And if you want a healthful bite before you leave, pick up one of their smoothie bowls, cups of soup, or salads brimming with local ingredients.

Head south and cross Kuku‘i Street, where you will find Home Town Kaua‘i on the left-hand side of the street. This one-of-a-kind art studio and shop is the perfect place to explore a collection of uncommon goods, from bright art prints ready for hanging in your home to decorative floor vases that will add a pop of color to empty spaces. Clothing designed for a beach-centered lifestyle takes center stage in their clothing section. From modern-cut bikinis to lightweight pieces that can be worn over your swimsuit, their clothing will take you from running around town to the beach and even to a night out. A unique draw to the store is its collection of vintage pieces sourced from around the globe. Here, you will find stunning artifacts, such as bamboo trays gently arched to serve as a catch-all, and ancient African wood vases.

Continue strolling old Kapa‘a town and find Kilauea Fine Jewelry, located the next block south of Home Town Kaua‘i. Founded by Karen Friend and Tiffany Freepartner, a mother-daughter team with decades of experience in the fine jewelry industry, the duo included Nicky Boyer as the final component of their woman-owned business. Specializing in handmade luxury jewelry, including Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater pearls, the team at Kilauea Fine Jewelry has breathtaking pieces to choose from. Their collection also includes ethically sourced diamonds, gemstones, and goldsmith services to create custom pieces. Whether you are in the market for diamond hoop earrings or a statement ring, their collection will have pieces to suit every style preference and need. While there, take a moment to check out their Kāne by Kilauea Fine Jewelry men’s collection, which offers a unique, high-quality line of men’s bands.

Located behind Kilauea Fine Jewelry, down a tiny alleyway, you will find KIKO, a hip oasis of neat knick-knacks and locally made products. The journey to create KIKO began with three friends, Micki, Vicky, and Natasha, who decided to open their own store filled with simple, beautiful pieces they loved. They found an abandoned garage in Kapa‘a town and spent days scrubbing, sweeping, and remodeling until KIKO's bright, airy showroom emerged. Here, you will find everything you did not know you needed —from homemade pottery pieces to cashmere ponchos and even Parisian reading glasses. KIKO is the perfect spot to browse, whether for yourself or to find the perfect gift to give.

As lunchtime approaches, head to Pono Market, just one block away from KIKO, to eat at one of the locals’ favorite spots. Founded in 1968 by the Kubota family, the shop began as a meat market. The family expanded its range to include groceries and beverages in the 1970s and eventually introduced its famous plate lunches in the 1990s. Customers flock to this casual eatery from early morning until the afternoon, lining up to grab a meal on the go or a quick snack. A popular item on their menu is the plate lunches. Fried chicken, kalua pig and lau lau are daily entrée options. In addition, other entrée choices, such as beef stew, baked salmon, teriyaki meatloaf, and stuffed chicken, are rotated. Another popular choice is their poke bowls, which start with a bed of steamed rice topped with their freshly made ahi poke. Before you check out, consider ordering additional poke containers or grabbing a Spam musubi for a snack later.

Visit Wailua Bake Shop, just a few minutes walk from Pono Market, for a sweet treat and to select from their rotating menu of freshly baked goods.  The small bakery and coffee shop began in 2022 as a passion project, baking sourdough for friends and family. The business grew from this, and today, the bakery continues to focus on sourdough and local favorites, including sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls, assorted Danishes, and flying saucers—a Kaua‘i specialty pressed sandwich filled with sloppy joe filling. While there, pair your baked goods with a cup of hot coffee made with beans sourced exclusively from Imua Roasters, an award-winning roastery in Kapa‘a town.

After grabbing lunch and dessert, you might be ready for a little physical activity and adventure as you explore Ho‘opi‘i Falls. This two-mile, out-and-back trail will lead you through a lush rainforest, past two waterfalls with an elevation gain of approximately 150 feet. To get to the trailhead, double back and drive north on Kūhiō Highway until you reach the nine-mile marker. Turn left onto Kawaihau Road and drive towards the mountains. After about ten minutes of driving, look for Kapahi Road, which will appear on your right. Turn onto Kapahi Road and drive for about a third of a mile until you see a break in the trees and a tiny parking lot that parallels the road.

Once you walk through the tree entrance, you will be on the path of this short, action-packed trail. The first part of the trail is muddy, and many tree roots can cause tripping hazards for some people. After about ten minutes of walking, the path will start to run parallel to Kapa‘a Stream, and you might begin to hear the rush of the waterfall if you listen closely. After about twenty minutes of walking, you will come upon the first waterfall, which measures about thirty feet tall. Continue along the path, and after about ten more minutes of walking, you will see the second waterfall, which measures about fifteen feet in height, emptying into a pond below where some hikers like to swim. The moderately challenging hike can be slippery, especially after heavy rainfall, and there are a few areas where you need to scramble over rocks. Still, on any given day, you will see hikers of all ages, including keiki (children), enjoying this heavily traversed trail.

Head back to the heart of Kapa‘a town and visit the only drive-thru coffee shop in town. Here, you can order a refreshing smoothie made from organic island fruit, a cream soda, or one of Positive Coffee’s signature Chemex Pour Over Brew coffees. Their Chemex brews are made with glass carafes that sit beneath unbleached paper filters filled with ground coffee. Hot water flows through the ground coffee and filter, creating a “clean” cup of coffee with most oils captured in the filter. This brewing style demands close monitoring and attention to detail. You can also order a hot or cold cup of cacao (pure chocolate) or grab a quick bite from their menu, featuring organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Wind down your day at Moa Moa Fish House and enjoy upscale Pacific Island cuisine in their open-air dining area, which features gorgeous ocean and beach views. Located within the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort, Moa Moa’s menu emphasizes local ingredients and flavors. Start your meal with a choice from their Small Plates portion of the menu and treat yourself to the Char Siu Pork Belly. Filets of tender pork belly are braised and glazed with their succulent char siu (Chinese BBQ) sauce. The dish is brightened with a serving of yuzu (Japanese citron) aioli and Jalapeno orange supreme. While at Moa Moa, one must-try entrée is the Cioppino, which is bursting with an assortment of fresh seafood. Mussels, clams, lobster, and the chef’s featured fish of the evening are served in an aromatic sauce that blends Pernod liquor and saffron. End your meal on a sweet note with their Lilikoi Mochi Cheese Cake. The delightful dessert combines traditional Hawaiian flavors with a unique twist and is served with the chef’s seasonal Chantilly cream, accompanied by a blueberry galette and fresh fruits.

From dawn to dusk, spending the day in old Kapa‘a town is like stepping into a charming slice of Hawaiian history. With its eclectic restaurants and shops, the laid-back island vibes await.

Mariachi’s; 4-1387 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 822-1612; Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; mariachis-hawaii.com.

Shipwrecked Kauai; 4-1384 Kūhiō Hwy., B-106, Kapa‘a; (808) 821-0805; Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; shipwreckedkauai.com.

Java Kai; 4-1384 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 823-6887; Open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; javakai.com.

Kauai Juice Co.; 4-1384 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 631-3893; Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; kauaijuiceco.com.

Home Town Kaua‘i; 4-1354 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 212-1333; Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; hometownkauai.com.

Kilauea Fine Jewelry; 4-1318 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 320-3302; Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; kilaueafinejewelry.com.

KIKO; 4-1316 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 822-5096; Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; kikokauai.com.

Pono Market; 4-1300 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 822-4581; Open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; ponomarketkauai.com.

Wailua Bake Shop; 4-1298 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 977-3516; Open Wednesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.; wailuabakeshop.com.

Positive Coffee; 4-967 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; Open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from about 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays from about 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; positivecoffeekauai.com.

Moa Moa Fish House at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort; 650 Aleka Loop, Kapa‘a; (808) 320-3653; Open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/lihsk-sheraton-kauai-coconut-beach-resort/6597173-moa-moa.